Calgary

Calgary, Alberta

Transfers: Airport & all major hotelsDistance from airport: 10 kmDistance from city center: 20 kmCampground: KOA Campgrounds-CalgaryAddress: Site 12, S.S. #1 Calgary AB T2M 4N3 Tel: +1 403 288-0411Directions: West city limits on southside of Hwy 1, near Canada Olympic Park
A shuttle to downtown. Only sixty minutes to the beautiful, scenic Banff National Park.

Welcome to The Rockies!!

Alberta's grandeur and beauty are obvious from the moment you arrive.

From the inland seas of prairie wheat to the soaring peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the eerily beautiful hoodoos, Alberta loves to draw attention to itself.

One of Canada's greatest attractions, The Rockies are without a doubt the most spectacular mountain range in the country. Set in the middle of the Rockies are the communities of Banff and Lake Louise, each offers visitors a chance to experience the Rocky Mountains with the 'big city' comforts. With endless outdoor activities this region will keep every visitor busy.

It's no wonder that UNESCO crowned Alberta with 5 of Canada's 13 World Heritage Sites. And each of them is an national treasure: Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Waterton/Glacier National Park, Banff-Jasper National Parks, Wood Buffalo National Park and Dinosaur Provincial Park. We also have 5 national parks and over sixty provincial parks, each one serving up breathtaking beauty.

Having trouble deciding where to go and what to do in Alberta? Choose from one of Alberta's scenic road trips, like the "Two City - Two Park Circle Tour." A showcase of the best Alberta has to offer: culture, history, natural resources, and scenery.

Sample Albertaís best known sights and attractions on this circular tour that connects the provinceís major cities and mighty mountains.

Tour DistancesTwo City - Two Park Circle Tour:

Total Distance: 1,080 km/675 mi

Day 1/2 - Calgary

Day 3 - Calgary to Banff - 129 km/81 mi

Day 4/5 - Banff to Jasper - 295 km/186 mi

Day 6 - Jasper to Edmonton - 362 km/226 mi

Day 7/8 - Edmonton to Calgary - 294 km/182 mi

Begin in Calgary, the southern hub of the province and gateway to the Rockies. Spend a couple of days touring this cosmopolitan centre, then continue to Kananaskis Country. This year-round, multi-use recreational area offers spectacular scenery and a multitude of activities for the outdoor enthusiast.

From Kananaskis, it is about a one-hour drive to the charming alpine community of Banff, nestled in the Rocky Mountains. This world-famous resort is the perfect base for outdoor adventures in the Rockies. From Banff, take Highway 1A, a scenic alternative route to Lake Louise. Visit emerald-coloured Moraine Lake, surrounded by a panorama of 10 glaciated summits at the base of the Continental Divide.

Drive north from Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park. Countless lakes and over 100 glaciers line the route. At 2,068 m (6,785 ft.) above sea level, Bow Summit is the highest point on the parkway and offers one of the best mountain panoramas in the world. Visit the Columbia Icefield. From the highway, the Athabasca and Dome glaciers are visible. Take a Snocoach tour on the Athabasca Glacier that clings to the north face of Mt. Athabasca (3,490 m; 12,762 ft.). Look for bighorn sheep and mountain goats at Tangle Falls, Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint and Goat Lookout.

Spend a couple of days in Jasper, a fairytale mountain retreat boasting all the modern amenities of a city surrounded by scenery that is simply breathtaking. Golf, kayak, fish, trail ride, hike, take a dip in the hot springs or a tram ride to the top of Whistlers Mountain.

Turn east toward Edmonton and stop at the communities of Hinton and Edson ó two towns that are also ideal bases from which to explore nearby parks, lakes, canyons, hoodoos, sand dunes and caves.

At Stony Plain, the Multicultural Heritage Centre highlights the story of English, French, and German-speaking Central European immigrants who settled the area.

Stay a couple of days and tour the sights of Edmonton, the provincial capital. Known as ìFestival Cityî, Edmonton hosts actors, folk and jazz musicians, ethnic dancers and, of course, all the colour and fun of the famous Klondike Days, in a series of summer celebrations. It is also the site of West Edmonton Mall, the worldís largest enclosed shopping centre featuring more than 800 shops and services, a unique theme hotel, Galaxyland Amusement Park and the World Waterpark, plus five other exciting attractions.

The highway south from Edmonton to Calgary follows an old wagon trail dotted with historic sights and interesting attractions. Wetaskiwin is the site of the Reynolds-Alberta Museum. View one of North Americaís largest collections of antique and classic cars, trucks, tractors, steam engines, fire engines and planes as well as Canadaís Aviation Hall of Fame. Just 40 km (25 mi) east of Wetaskiwin is Camrose, famous for its Big Valley Country Music Jamboree. Red Deer is almost halfway between Calgary and Edmonton and has an elaborate parks system that connects many outdoor facilities.